Florida

The Bottom Line

Most Tax-Friendly

The Sunshine State is well known for its absence of a state income, and its property taxes are below the midpoint for the U.S. Sales taxes can be on the high side, but Florida makes it into Kiplinger's top ten most tax-friendly states

Sales Tax

2.9% state levy. Localities can add as much as 8%, and the average combined rate is 7.52%, according to the Tax Foundation.

Income Tax Range

There is no state income tax.

Motor Fuel Taxes

Gasoline: $0.37 per gallon.
Diesel: $0.34 per gallon.

Property Taxes

The median property tax on Florida's median home value of $162,700 is $1,631.

Vehicle Taxes

6 percent state sales tax is due on the entire purchase price. Additionally, county sales tax (based on where the buyer lives) is due on the first $5,000 of the purchase price (or on each lease payment).

Sin Taxes

Cigarettes: $1.34 a packCigars: No taxAll other tobacco products: 85% of the wholesale price

Beer: $0.48 per gallon.Wine: $2.25 per gallonLiquor: $6.50 per gallon

Travel Taxes

Hotel: There is no statewide lodging tax, but municipalities can levy them. Rates vary, and sales tax is also due. In Fort Lauderdale, this adds up to 11%.

Rental cars: The state imposes a $2-per-day surcharge, and sales tax is due.

Taxes On Wireless Service

14.7%

Inheritance and Estate Taxes

There is no inheritance tax or estate tax.

Oddball Tax

Eager to get parents to keep their kids safer, Florida has exempted youth bicycle helmets, booster seats and other child restraint systems from sales tax.